Curtis Lovejoy

Knowing your rights shouldn't be a luxury. It’s a necessity.

The Song

I’ve just released my new single, “SALT” (Strategies Against Lawless Tactics). This isn't just a song, it’s a literal survival manual for dealing with lawless tactics, using specific guidance from the ACLU.

From home visits to street stops, I wrote this to put the exact scripts and strategies we need to stay smart and safe into song.

You can hear the full song wherever you sream music, or by clicking here:

https://curtislovejoy.bandcamp.com/track/salt Link: Listen on Bandcamp

The Gear

To keep the message of "SALT" moving, I’ve also released a new line of merch. Each t-shirt and hoodie features a QR code on the sleeve that acts as an instant link to the ACLU’s official Know Your Rights resources. Available in both Black & White and Blue & Gold, this gear is designed to be a silent partner in solidarity, making sure the right information is always within reach. 

You can check the merch out here:

https://CurtisLovejoyMusic.com/merch

The Resources

If you want to share the ACLU's official Know Your Rights resources with someone directly, here is the link:

https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights-share-your-rights-immigrants-rights

Share this information with someone who needs it, and stay safe out there.

Curtis Lovejoy

The Real Cost of "One Big Beautiful Bill"

The Financial Times published a piece this week titled "A full-blown crisis: Americans brace for a surge in healthcare costs,” and they zeroed in on West Virginia to show the damage.

This isn't just about market fluctuations; it’s about survival. The article breaks down the reality we are facing here: premiums skyrocketing while rural hospitals teeter on the edge of closure due to Medicaid cuts.

I spoke with the reporters to give them the view from Pineville, specifically, how the current system actually punishes working people. As I told them, my own insurance costs are set to rise next year even as my income drops. It’s a math problem that doesn't add up for thousands of families in this state.

The article notes that I’ve been writing songs about these specific policies, and they linked readers to the video for my song "One Big Beautiful Bill" on YouTube. I wrote that song as a warning about the legislation pushing these cuts. It’s good that a global financial paper is finally paying attention to the crisis, but the numbers they are reporting are the lives we are living every day.

We need to keep telling these stories until the policy changes.

Read the full article below, and then go listen to the track that warned this was coming.

Link to Financial Times Article: https://www.ft.com/content/beec76df-8e6d-4238-bae2-e51683b62aa4

Link to “One Big Beautiful Bill”: https://youtu.be/4izwKvRd1lY?si=Un_7dC-rdgNUOnJi

— Curtis Lovejoy 

Honored to Be Featured on Born and Bred Music's New Releases List!

I’m thrilled to share that my recent release "Kash Patel" has been featured on Born and Bred Music's New Releases list for November!

Born and Bred Music was kind enough to feature a section on the track, describing me as "a protest musician that isn’t afraid to say what he feels about the political climate and those in charge." They also highlighted that the song seems "fitting for a fake hero." I think that sums it up perfectly.

I'm honored to be alongside other incredible artists on this list, and I encourage you all to check out the full roundup.

You can read their full feature on "Kash Patel" and the rest of the New Releases at the link below!

Read the Full Born and Bred Music Article: 

https://bornandbredmusic.com/2025/11/25/new-releases-are-packed-with-great-music-as-we-hit-the-thanksgiving-break-check-out-new-music-from-kindred-valley-old-crow-medicine-show-curtis-lovejoy-golden-ron-sowell-cassidy-dickens-gone-gh/

Thank you for continuing to listen and support.

Curtis Lovejoy

Twice Recognized:  My Music Joins "The Ongoing History of Protest Music"

I have some deeply humbling and exciting news to share about two recent mentions on a site that means a great deal to me and, I suspect, many of you: The Ongoing History of Protest Music.

This platform is a dedicated archive and appreciation of the genre, chronicling the songs that give voice to social change. To have my music included not once, but twice, is a profound honor that validates the commitment we share to the folk tradition.

The First Chapter: “One Big Beautiful Bill”

The initial feature came when the site spotlighted my song, "One Big Beautiful Bill," as a Daily Dose of Protest.

That track was written as a direct reflection on the legislative battles and economic realities facing working families in West Virginia and across the country. To see it recognized alongside historical and contemporary protest voices confirmed that the song was connecting exactly where it needed to: in the conversation about how music documents and drives change.

You can read the original feature here: 

https://www.ongoinghistoryofprotestsongs.com/2025/10/21/daily-dose-of-protest-one-big-beautiful-bill-curtis-lovejoy/

Daily Dose of Protest: “One Big Beautiful Bill”

The Newest Recognition: The “Singing Journalist”

The second mention came more recently as part of their "Month of Protest October" wrap-up, focusing on my latest EP, "Words and Walls."

What truly resonated with me was the description of my work. They wrote:

"Curtis Lovejoy, a singer-songwriter from West Virginia, has written many topical protest songs in the folk tradition of the 'Singing Journalist,' five of which are featured on his latest EP."

The term "Singing Journalist" perfectly captures the spirit of traditional folk music, where the musician's role is to observe, document, and report the truth of the people's struggles through song. That description is some of the highest praise for an artist working in this genre.

"Words and Walls" is a collection I poured a great deal of heart and urgency into, and I'm grateful it's finding its place in the broader history of protest music.

You can find the full "Month of Protest October" recap here:

 https://www.ongoinghistoryofprotestsongs.com/2025/10/31/a-month-of-protest-october-2/

A Month of Protest: October Wrap-up

What This Means

This isn't just a win for me; it’s a spotlight on the issues we care about. These mentions help ensure that the stories of West Virginia and the themes of economic justice, labor rights, and environmental protection reach a dedicated audience committed to these conversations.

Thank you to everyone at The Ongoing History of Protest Music for giving these songs a platform. And thank you to all of you who continue to listen, share, and act. Keep fighting the good fight.

-Curtis Lovejoy

"Kash Patel" is a searing, no-holds-barred piece of political and social commentary.

With urgent delivery and confrontational lyrics, the song takes direct aim at the controversial government official, accusing him of deceit, entanglement in political conspiracies, and protecting the corrupt. The track uses its raw lyrical power to deliver a defiant, unmistakable message.

The song is an essential listen for those who demand accountability in the public sphere. The warning is clear: Look out, here comes Kash Patel.

SNAP

Why are we cutting food aid while millions of Americans are starving?

This 1-minute song addresses the disappearing SNAP benefits and the urgent crisis of hunger in America. I wrote this piece as a direct critique of misplaced political priorities, including the ideological agenda of Project 2025, which seems determined to dismantle the social safety net.

We have the resources, but institutional failure and partisan blame ("blame it on Democrats") keeps the hungry in need. I challenge the hypocrisy of Christian Nationalism and demand that we focus on economic justice and real compassion, not grandstanding.

Lyrics:

SNAP

There it goes

Gone in a flash

They say the well's run dry

And blame it on Democrats

But millions of Americans

Don't care about that

Cause they're hungry

They're starving

They're rummaging through trash

This is why contingency funds even exist

The USDA has the money

They just want you to be pissed

Cause when people go hungry

Things get tense

It's like the Insurrection Act's

Been waiting on this

We can't feed the poor

Who keep taking hits

Yet Christ fed thousands with

Five loaves and two fish

I can't imagine he'd

Leave the vulnerable in pits

But Christian nationalism

Doesn't exist to save kids

Preach preach preach preach

Pray pray pray

We're so focused on hate

We can't hear what they say

Children crying out

Just begging to be saved

But we got ballrooms to build

And ICE needs paid

It's all a part of the plan

To take over the land

First cut health care

Then slap out-stretched hands

Compassion's at its best

When you don't grandstand

Or play blame games

Trying to beef up your brand

Building new foundations

On beds made of sand

Meant to rock our world

And shorten lifespans

Well all I know is

We should fear for Uncle Sam

Cause Project 2025

Follows a strict program

Hey everyone!

I'm incredibly excited to announce that my new EP "Word and Walls" is officially out now and available everywhere you listen to music.

Tracklist:

1. The Department of War
2. One Big Beautiful Bill
3. The Scorpion and The Frog
4. Words
5. Heaven

Listen Now:

You can stream, download, or purchase "Word and Walls" on Bandcamp at the link below. If you'd like to support the music directly, my Bandcamp page is the best way to do that! You can also find the EP on any streaming service!

https://curtislovejoy.bandcamp.com/album/words-and-walls

I hope this music finds you well and maybe even becomes a part of your daily soundtrack.

Thank you so much for listening!

All the best,

Curtis Lovejoy

CurtisLovejoyMusic.com | https://www.youtube.com/@CurtisLovejoyMusic | https://www.tiktok.com/@curtislovejoymusic | https://facebook.com/curtislovejoymusic | https://www.instagram.com/curtislovejoy/

"One Big Beautiful Bill" is a politically charged folk protest song that takes aim at H.R. 1, "The Big Beautiful Bill Act," passed by Congress on July 4, 2025.

The song is a stark critique that focuses on healthcare cuts for over ten million Americans. The song specifically details the devastating impact on West Virginia, a state full of communities dependent on Medicaid, where it threatens to close hospitals and nursing homes.

With biting sarcasm and resonant facts, “One Big Beautiful Bill” is a powerful, non-partisan call to action. It forces listeners to confront the human cost of legislative decisions, asking the core question: "How many people gonna end up killed?" This is essential listening for any audience engaged with current events, social justice, or compelling protest music.

The folks over at AppalachianLivin let me come hang out with them the other day, and it was an awesome time! They even let me play a few songs! Watch the whole thing on YouTube, or find it streaming wherever you listen to podcasts!

"This week on Appalachian Livin’, we’re joined by musician Curtis Lovejoy from Wyoming County, West Virginia. Curtis has been writing songs that speak to what’s really going on in the world right now — some might call it political or protest music, but really, he’s just telling the truth. We kept calling his songs cheeky — they’ve got personality and humor — but behind every line is something real."

The amazing folks over at WMUL invited me to be a part of World College Radio Day 2025 with them. This year’s theme is “Tune in to the People”, and I’m honored that they chose me to help represent that message!

I had such a great time with the people at WMUL, and I'm excited to be able to share this with everyone!